- Uncertainty grows over Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager
- The Dutchman insisted that United are now in a better situation than 12 months ago
- Marcus Rashford has to leave Man United… and a Premier League club could offer him a fresh start – Listen to the It’s all starting! podcast
Erik ten Hag has claimed that Manchester United are in a better position than they were 12 months ago, despite running the risk of ending the season without a trophy or European football.
United travel to Brighton on Sunday needing to improve on Newcastle’s result at Brentford to qualify for the Europa Conference League.
If Ten Hag’s side fail, they will have a chance to reach the Europa League if they can beat Manchester City in next weekend’s FA Cup final.
But Ten Hag, whose future remains up in the air after a disappointing campaign, is convinced that the development of young players, coupled with the change of ownership, puts United in a stronger position now than a year ago, when they finished third. . and won the Carabao Cup.
“When you look at the results you would say no, but we know the reasons behind that,” he said.
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United are in a better position now than 12 months ago
Ten Hag believes the development of several young stars this season has shown United have improved (pictured: Kobbie Mainoo (left), Amad Diallo (centre), Alejandro Garnacho (right)
The Dutchman added that the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe has also helped the team take off.
—I would say yes, as you say. We have more high-quality players in the squad, so yes, we are in a better position.
‘We developed some young players with high potential who can really contribute to the quality levels of our team. “I would say that with established and experienced players you can form a very good combination that can form a very strong team that can compete at the highest level.”
It was put to Ten Hag that failure to get into the Champions League, or Europe altogether, will significantly limit United’s ability to sign top players.
Ten Hag disagreed.
United can also book their place in the Europa League by beating Man City in the FA Cup final
For Ten Hag, the prospect of missing out on Europe does not mean the club will struggle to recruit top talent this summer.
“I think that, for all the players, Manchester United is a very attractive club,” he added.
“Of course you want to play at the highest level, but if you want to embark on a project at a club like Manchester United, I am sure that Manchester United is a very attractive club for all players.”
